Ford Motor Co.Ford's Wixom assembly plant circa 1980. Three alternative energy companies want to redevelop the facility to make solar panels and advanced batteries.The redevelopment of Ford Motor Co.'s vacant Wixom assembly plant took another step closer to reality Tuesday as the Michigan Economic Growth Authority green-lighted tax incentives to help two out-of-state companies take over the site for solar panel and advanced battery production.

The MEGA board OK'd $25 million in newly created photovoltaic Michigan Business Tax credits for Clairvoyant Energy and advanced-battery credits worth $100 million over four years for Xtreme Power.

State officials have said the project could create 4,000 direct jobs. The factory's redevelopment could create additional business opportunities for local construction firms and manufacturing suppliers.

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